Beyond the walk: Mortgage leaders talk mental health – part 10

The Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC) began its third annual 144-mile Walk & Talk challenge yesterday and will finish on Friday this week. There are now some 72 participants from across the mortgage sector taking part.

The six-day initiative follows the Grand Union Canal, with individuals joining for different stages of the route.

Yesterday’s leg, starting in London, covered 26.71 miles over 7hrs 52 minutes and 41 seconds.

The event is led by Jason Berry, group sales director at Crystal Specialist Finance and co-founder of the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter, who will complete the full route alongside Charlie Morley, director of mortgage distribution, operations and servicing at Metro Bank.

Over the last three weeks Mortgage Soup has been firing the questions at both sponsors and those taking part.

Today, Adam Cozens (main picture, inset), mortgage advice director at London & Country, is under the spotlight.

MS: What made you want to support and be part of the Walk and Talk initiative / event?

Very simply to show my support to a topic I am very passionate about.

I think it is vital we lead from the top of our respective businesses and set the standard for open and honest communication.

MS: From your perspective, what are the biggest challenges brokers/clients are facing right now with their mental health and wellbeing?

For brokers it would be the ever changing market.

One day you are up to midnight keying applications to ensure customers don’t miss out on rates the next you are rate checking your pipeline as rates start dropping again!

For clients it has to be the ever-increasing cost of life and the challenge this then brings when saving to buy a house and get on the property ladder.

MS: What is your organisation doing to better support staff and the wider market?

A strong flexible working policy to ensure people can balance the demands of work as well as life. Our ‘we belong group’ continues to be a great initiative ensuring staff from a variety of backgrounds feel heard and supported.

MS: Looking ahead, what trends or changes would you like to see in the next 12–24 months?

I think we would all welcome a more settled market and an even more inclusive industry where people feel even more empowered to be their authentic self.

MS: What does success from this initiative/event look like for you?

Even if walking this event means one person feels happier to open up and not feel alone with their struggles then this will have been a success.